Detachable imaging device, endoscope having a detachable imaging device, and method of configuring such an endoscope

ABSTRACT

An endoscope includes a detachable wireless imaging device and an insertion tube having a distal end region. The attachment of the detachable wireless imaging device detachably attaches the detachable wireless imaging device to the distal end region of the insertion tube.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/750,325, filed Dec. 13, 2005, the entire disclosureof which is incorporated herein by reference.

This application also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/761,475, filed Jan. 23, 2006, the entire disclosureof which is incorporated herein by reference.

This application also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/772,442, filed Feb. 9, 2006, the entire disclosure ofwhich is incorporated herein by reference,

This application further claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/802,056, filed May 19, 2006, the entire disclosure ofwhich is incorporated herein by reference.

The entire disclosure of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/215,660,filed Aug. 29, 2005, is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a detachable imaging device, anendoscope having a detachable imaging device, and a method ofconfiguring an endoscope with a detachable imaging device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

An endoscope is a medical device comprising a flexible tube and a cameramounted on the distal end of the tube. The endoscope is insertable intoan internal body cavity through a body orifice to examine the bodycavity and tissues for diagnosis. The tube of the endoscope has one ormore longitudinal channels, through which an instrument can reach thebody cavity to take samples of suspicious tissues or to perform othersurgical procedures such as polypectomy.

There are many types of endoscopes, and they are named in relation tothe organs or areas with which they are used. For example, gastroscopesare used for examination and treatment of the esophagus, stomach andduodenum; colonoscopes for the colon; bronchoscopes for the bronchi;laparoscopes for the peritoneal cavity; sigmoidoscopes for the rectumand the sigmoid colon; arthroscopes for joints; cystoscopes for theurinary bladder; and angioscopes for the examination of blood vessels.

Each endoscope has a single forward viewing camera mounted at the distalend of the endoscope to transmit an image to an eyepiece or video cameraat the proximal end. The camera is used to assist a medical professionalin advancing the endoscope into a body cavity and looking forabnormalities. The camera provides the medical professional with atwo-dimensional view from the distal end of the endoscope. To capture animage from a different angle or in a different portion, the endoscopemust be repositioned or moved back and forth. Repositioning and movementof the endoscope prolongs the procedure and causes added discomfort,complications, and risks to the patient. Additionally, in an environmentsimilar to the lower gastro-intestinal tract, flexures, tissue folds andunusual geometries of the organ may prevent the endoscope's camera fromviewing all areas of the organ. The unseen area may cause a potentiallymalignant (cancerous) polyp to be missed.

This problem can be overcome by providing an auxiliary camera, whichpresents an image of the areas not viewable by the endoscope's maincamera. The auxiliary camera can be oriented backwards to face the maincamera. This arrangement of cameras can provide both front and rearviews of an area or an abnormality. In the case of polypectomy where apolyp is excised by placing a wire loop around the base of the polyp,the camera arrangement allows better placement of the wire loop tominimize damage to the adjacent healthy tissue.

Unfortunately, most of the endoscopes currently in use do not have suchan auxiliary camera. To replace these existing endoscopes with newendoscopes with auxiliary cameras is expensive. Therefore, it isdesirable to provide the existing endoscopes with retrofit auxiliarycameras. Additionally, to avoid the costs of modifying existingendoscopes, it is desirable to provide retrofit auxiliary cameras thatdo not require significant modification of the existing endoscopes.

Although a channel of an endoscope can be used to accommodate anauxiliary camera that does not require modification of the endoscope,the loss of a channel may impair the endoscope's ability to perform allof its designed functions. Thus the ability of the retrofit auxiliarycamera to function without using an endoscope channel is desirable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to some aspects of the present invention, a retrofit auxiliarycamera is provided that does not require significant modification of anexisting endoscope or use of a channel of the endoscope, therebyavoiding the costs of modifying the endoscope and preserving all of theendoscope's designed functions.

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a detachable imagingdevice can be attached to a distal end region of an endoscope'sinsertion tube. The detachable imaging device includes an attachmentthat can detachably attach the imaging device to the distal end regionof the endoscope's insertion tube. The detachable imaging deviceincludes also a wireless imaging element connected to the attachment.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, an endoscopeincludes a detachable imaging device and an insertion tube having adistal end region. The detachable imaging device includes an attachmentthat detachably attaches the detachable imaging device to the distal endregion of the insertion tube, and a wireless imaging element connectedto the attachment.

In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, a method ofconfiguring an endoscope includes attaching an attachment of adetachable imaging device of an endoscope to a distal end region of theinsertion tube of the endoscope.

In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the attachmentincludes a ring. Preferably, the ring has an inner diameter that isdesigned to provide a friction fit between the inner surface of the ringand a cylindrical outer surface of the distal end region of theinsertion tube of the endoscope. The inner diameter of the ring may beslightly smaller than the outer diameter of the distal end region of theinsertion tube to provide the friction fit. Also the inner surface ofthe ring may include a rubber or silicon surface.

In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the detachableimaging device includes a link that connects the imaging device to theattachment. Preferably, the link is flexible.

In accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention, thedetachable imaging device includes an external control box that isconfigured to adjust parameters of the wireless imaging element.

In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the detachableimaging device includes an external control box that is configured tosend images from the wireless imaging element to a patient recordsdatabase.

In accordance with still another embodiment of the invention, thedetachable imaging device includes a support mechanism that increasesthe rigidity of the detachable imaging device and reduces the bending ofthe link.

In accordance with yet still another embodiment of the invention, thewireless imaging element includes an imaging unit and/or a light source.The imaging unit may be mounted on the proximal end of the wirelessimaging element and faces towards a main imaging device mounted on thedistal end of the insertion tube. Preferably, the imaging unit and themain imaging device provide different views of the same area. To reducelight interference, the imaging element and the main imaging device andtheir light sources may be turned on and off alternately. Preferably theimaging element and the main imaging device and their light sources areturned on and off at a sufficiently high frequency that the eyes do notsense that the imaging element and the main imaging device and theirlight sources are intermittently turned on and off.

The wireless imaging element may include another imaging unit, which ismounted on the distal end of the wireless imaging element and faces inthe same direction as the main imaging device. The wireless imagingelement may also include another light source, which is mounted on thedistal end of the wireless imaging element and faces in the samedirection as the main imaging device.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the invention, the wirelessimaging element includes a channel aligned with a channel of theinsertion tube. This channel of the wireless imaging element may extendfrom the proximal end of the wireless imaging element to the distal endof the wireless imaging element.

In accordance with a still further embodiment of the invention, thewireless imaging element includes a housing that is used to accommodatethe wireless imaging unit. Preferably, the housing includes two housingelements that sealingly form the housing.

In accordance with a yet still further embodiment of the invention, thedetachable imaging device includes a link that connects the imagingdevice to the attachment. Preferably, the link, attachment, and one ofthe housing elements form a unitary unit.

In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the wirelessimaging element is accommodated within the attachment. In someembodiments, the detachable imaging device includes two or more wirelessimaging elements, and the wireless imaging elements are mounted on atleast one of the distal end, proximal end and side of the attachment.

Although certain aspects of the present invention have been discussed sofar in terms of a retrofit auxiliary imaging device, it should beemphasized that the present invention is not limited to a retrofitauxiliary imaging device. On the contrary, a detachable imaging deviceof the present invention may be manufactured as an original part of anendoscope. If the detachable imaging device is needed to provide a rearor retrograde view of an abnormality, the detachable imaging device isinstalled on the end region of the insertion tube. Alternatively, if thedetachable imaging device is not needed, the endoscope can be usedwithout the detachable imaging device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an endoscope according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 is a view of the distal end of the insertion tube of theendoscope of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a detachable imaging device of theendoscope of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 shows a transparent link connecting the attachment and theimaging element of a detachable imaging device.

FIG. 5 is another perspective view of the detachable imaging device ofFIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a view of a distal end region of the insertion tube having atacky surface.

FIG. 7 is a view of a distal end region of the insertion tube having acircular groove.

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the imaging element housing.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the imaging element printed circuit.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a detachable imaging device with aforward viewing imaging unit, a forward facing light source, and achannel.

FIGS. 11 a, 11 b, 12 a, and 12 b show a support mechanism of anendoscope of the present invention.

FIG. 13 shows an endoscope according to another embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 14 shows an endoscope according to a further embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 15 shows an insertion tube having a connector for connecting adetachable imaging device to the wires in the insertion tube.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary endoscope 10 of the present invention.This endoscope 10 can be used in a variety of medical procedures inwhich imaging of a body tissue, organ, cavity or lumen is required. Thetypes of procedures include, for example, anoscopy, arthroscopy,bronchoscopy, colonoscopy, cystoscopy, EGD, laparoscopy, andsigmoidoscopy.

As shown in FIG. 1, the endoscope 10 may include an insertion tube 12and a control handle 14 connected to the insertion tube 12. Theinsertion tube 12 may be detachable from the control handle 14 or may beintegrally formed with the control handle 14. The diameter, length andflexibility of the insertion tube 12 depend on the procedure for whichthe endoscope 10 is used. The insertion tube 12 may be made from orcoated with a lubricious material to allow for easy insertion into andeasy extraction from a patient.

The control handle 14 may include one or more control knobs 16 that areattached to control cables 18 (FIG. 2) for the manipulation of theinsertion tube 12. Preferably, the control cables 18 are symmetricallypositioned within the insertion tube 12 and extend along the length ofthe insertion tube 12. The control cables 18 may be anchored at or nearthe distal end of the insertion tube 12 such that the rotation of thecontrol knobs 16 moves or bends the insertion tube 12 up and down and/orside to side. In some embodiments, a clutch or breaking component (notshown) may be included with the control knobs 16 to prevent the knobs 16from being inadvertently rotated such that rotation can only be causedby application of a certain degree of torque to the control knobs 16.

Preferably, the control handle 14 has one or more ports and/or valves.In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the control handle 14 has twoports and/or valves 20. The ports and/or valves 20 are in communicationwith their respective channels 22 (FIG. 2) extending through theinsertion tube 12. “Y” junctions can be used to designate two ports to asingle channel or one port to two channels. The ports and/or valves 20can be air or water valves, suction valves, instrumentation ports, andsuction/instrumentation ports. In some embodiments, one of the channelscan be used to supply a washing liquid such as water for washing. A cap(not shown) may be included at the opening of the washing channel todivert the washing liquid onto a lens of an imaging device for cleaning.Another channel may be used to supply a gas, such as CO₂ or air into theorgan. The channels may also be used to extract fluids or inject fluids,such as a drug in a liquid carrier, into the body. Various biopsy, drugdelivery, and other diagnostic and therapeutic devices may also beinserted via the channels to perform specific functions. In someembodiments, various tools may be used with the endoscope 10, such as aretractable needle for drug injection, hydraulically actuated scissors,clamps, grasping tools, electrocoagulation systems, ultrasoundtransducers, electrical sensors, heating elements, laser mechanisms andother ablation means.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the insertion tube 12 may additionally includeone or more light sources 24, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs) orfiber optical delivery of light from an external light source, and animaging device 26. The imaging device 26 may include, for example, alens, single chip sensor, multiple chip sensor or fiber opticimplemented devices. The imaging device 26, in electrical communicationwith a processor and/or monitor, may provide still images or recorded orlive video images. Each light source 24, individually, can be turned onor off. The intensity of each can be adjusted to achieve optimumimaging.

An accessory outlet 28 (FIG. 1) at a proximal end of the control handle14 provides fluid communication between the air, water and suctionchannels and the pumps and related accessories. The same outlet or adifferent outlet can be used for electrical lines to light and imagingcomponents at the distal end of the insertion tube 12.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3, the endoscope 10 preferably includes adetachable imaging device 30 attached to the distal end region of theendoscope's insertion tube 14. The detachable imaging device 30 includesan attachment 32 for detachably attaching the imaging device 30 to thedistal end region of the insertion tube 14, a wireless imaging element34, and a link 36 connecting the wireless imaging element 34 to theattachment 32.

In this embodiment, which is also shown in FIG. 5, the attachment 32 isconfigured as a ring. Preferably, the attachment 32 has an innerdiameter that is designed to provide a friction fit between the innersurface 38 of the attachment 32 (FIG. 5) and a cylindrical outer surfaceof the distal end region of the insertion tube 14. This may mean that inthe pre-install condition the inner diameter of the attachment 32 issmaller than the outer diameter of the distal end region of theinsertion tube 14. When the attachment 32 is slid on the insertion tube14, the inner surface 38 of the attachment 32 compresses against theouter surface of the insertion tube 14 to provide the friction fit. Tosecure the attachment 32 on the insertion tube 32, the inner surface 38of the attachment 32 may include a tacky and/or elastic surface. In someembodiments, this surface may be the surface of a rubber or siliconinner ring 40 (FIG. 5). The rubber or silicon inner ring 40 may beattached to the rest of the attachment 32 by means of an adhesive,welding, mechanical over molding, or snaps. Alternatively, theattachment 32 may be made entirely from rubber or silicon. In general,the attachment can be made from any compressive rubber or polymer or acombination thereof.

In some cases such as when the detachable imaging device 30 is made asan original part of the endoscope 10 (i.e., not as a retrofit device),the distal end region of the insertion tube 14 may have one or morefeatures that help retain the detachable imaging device 30. For example,as shown in FIG. 6, the distal end region of the insertion tube 14 mayinclude a tacky surface 39 that engages with the tacky inner surface 38of the attachment 32 to enhance the friction fit between the attachment32 and the insertion tube 14. Alternatively or additionally, as shown inFIG. 7, the distal end region of the insertion tube 14 may include acircular groove 41 around the distal end region of the insertion tube 14for receiving the attachment 32. In general, the distal end region ofthe insertion tube 14 may include any features that enhance theattachment of the detachable imaging device 30 to the distal end regionof the insertion tube 14.

In general, the attachment may be of any suitable configuration that candetachably attach the detachable imaging device 30 to the distal endregion of the insertion tube 14. For example, the attachment may be anelastic tube that can be elastically wrapped around the distal endregion of the insertion tube 14. Alternatively, the attachment mayinclude one or more screws that can be screwed to attach the imagingdevice to the distal end region of the insertion tube 14 or unscrewed todetach the imaging device from the distal end region of the insertiontube 14. The attachment may also be similar to the way by which asuction cap for endoscopic mucosal resection is attached to acolonoscope. In general, a suitable attachment may use one or more of,for example, a clamp arrangement, a snap fit, a plastic friction fit, orbonding.

The link 36 connects the imaging device 34 to the attachment 32. In theillustrated embodiment, the link 36 is a generally elongated, flat,straight bar, although the link may be configured in any suitablemanner. For example, the link may be curved and may have a circular orsquare cross-section. The link may comprise one pole, as shown in FIG.3, or two or more poles to enhance support to the imaging element 34. Insome embodiments, the link may be made from a transparent material, andas shown in FIG. 5 the transparent link may be a transparent tube 36 aconnected to the circumferences of the attachment 32 and imaging element34. Preferably, the link 36 is suitably flexible to make it easier forthe imaging device to negotiate and accommodate the flexures along thebody cavity.

Preferably, the wireless imaging element 34 has an imaging unit 42 and alight source 44 such as an LED, as shown in FIG. 5. In this embodiment,the imaging unit 42 and light source 44 are placed on the proximal end46 of the wireless imaging element 34, although they may be placed atany suitable locations on the imaging element 34, including on thedistal end or side of the imaging element 34 or both. Preferably, theimaging unit 42 faces backwards towards the main imaging device 26 andis oriented so that the imaging unit 42 and the main imaging device 26can be used to provide different views of the same area. In theillustrated embodiment, the imaging unit 42 provides a retrograde viewof the area, while the main imaging device 26 provides a front view ofthe area.

Since the main imaging device 26 and the imaging unit 42 of thedetachable imaging device 30 face each other, the light source 24, 44 ofone imaging device 26, 30 interferes with the other imaging device 30,26. To reduce the interference, polarizer filters may be used with theimaging devices 26, 30 and light sources 24, 44. The main imaging device26 and its light sources 24 may be covered by a first set of polarizerfilters of the same orientation. And the wireless imaging unit 42 andlight source 44 may be covered by a second set of polarizer filtersorientated at 90° relative to the first set of polarizer filters. Theuse of polarizer filters to reduce light interference is well known andwill not be described in detail herein.

As an alternative to polarizer filters, the imaging devices 26, 30 andtheir light sources 24, 44 may be turned on and off alternately toreduce or prevent light interference. In other words, when the mainimaging device 26 and its light sources 24 are turned on, the imagingunit 42 and its light source 44 are turned off. And when the mainimaging device 26 and its light sources 24 are turned off, the imagingunit 42 and its light source 44 are turned on. Preferably, the imagingdevices 26, 30 and their light sources 24, 44 are turned on and off at asufficiently high frequency that eyes do not sense that the lightsources are being turned on and off.

The imaging element 34 may include a switch (not shown) that is used toconnect power to the circuitries of the imaging element 34. When theswitch is turned on, the circuitries of the imaging element 34 areactivated and the imaging unit 42 starts capturing images andtransmitting image signals. The switch can be a membrane switch mountedon the imaging element 34. The switch may be sealed with a biocompatiblefilm (not shown), which can encase the imaging element or a sectionthereof to fully seal the switch.

In some embodiments, a wireless switch may be provided in placement of,or in addition to, the manual switch. The wireless transceiver of theimaging device 34 may continually search for a wireless enable signalfrom a particular address device or at a particular frequency. Thissignal enables a logic command to all the circuits in the imaging device34 to switch from a low current sleep mode to a full current operatingmode.

The wireless imaging element 34 preferably includes a housing 48 a, 48 bfor accommodating the wireless imaging unit 42 and light source 44. Thehousing 48 a, 48 b of the wireless imaging element 34 preferablyincludes two housing elements 48 a, 48 b. The housing elements 48 a, 48b preferably have features, such as pins and sockets, which allow thewireless imaging unit 42 and light source 44 to be securely mountedwithin the housing elements 48 a, 48 b. The housing elements 48 a, 48 bare sealingly attached to each other to maintain biocompatibility of thewireless imaging element 34 and prevent contaminants from entering thewireless imaging element 34. The housing elements 48 a, 48 b may besealingly attached to each other in any suitable manner, includingultrasonic or friction welding or adhesive bonding. The housing 48 a, 48b may include windows 50, 52 for the imaging unit 42 and light source44, respectively. Preferably, each window 50, 52 is sealed with a thinclear cover that is attached to the housing 48 a, 48 b. In someembodiments, the windows 50, 52 may be the polarizer filters describedpreviously.

In a preferred embodiment, a housing element 48 a, the link 36, and theattachment 32 form a unitary unit made by means of, for example,injection molding. The other housing element 48 b may be separatelyformed by means of, for example, injection molding. Preferably, themolded units are fabricated from a biocompatible material such as abiocompatible plastic. Alternatively, the housing elements 48 a, 48 b,the link 36, and the attachment 32 may be made as separate parts fromthe same material or different materials and then attached to oneanother to form the wireless imaging device 10.

In the preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the circuitry forthe wireless imaging unit 42 is formed on a printed circuit board (PCB)54. The circuitry for the light source 44 may also be formed on the PCB54. In this preferred embodiment, the circuitries for the imaging unit42 and light source 44 are mounted on one side of the PCB 54, and apower source 56, such as a button battery cell, is clipped onto theother side of the PCB 54. The wireless imaging element 34 may include alens 58, image sensor 60, wireless transceiver 62, power management unit64, clock or crystal 66, and signal processing unit 68 as required bywireless communication. The positive and ground power clips (not shown)holding the power source 56 are connected to the power and ground planesof the PCB 54 respectively to supply power to the circuitries on the PCB54.

The image sensor 60 may be any suitable device that converts lightincident on photosensitive semiconductor elements into electricalsignals. Such a device may detect color or black-and-white images. Thesignals from the sensor are digitized and used to reproduce the image.Two commonly used types of image sensors are Charge Coupled Devices(CCD) such as LC 99268 FB produced by Sanyo of Osaka, Japan andComplementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) camera chips such as theOVT 6910 produced by OmniVision of Sunnyvale, Calif.

The image data acquired by the image sensor 60 are transmitted to thesignal processing unit 68 for processing. The processing may include oneor more of multiplexing, encoding into radio frequencies, andcompression. The wireless protocol used for image data transmissionpreferably is approved for medical use and meets the data raterequirements for the image sensor output. Suitable wireless protocolsinclude, for example, the 802.11 and Bluetooth standards. The Bluetoothstandard operates in the industrial, scientific and medical band (ISMband), has low transmit power, and causes minimal interference. Theoutput formats for the image sensor 60 and the integrated circuits forimage signal processing are well known in the electronics industry andare not explained in further detail. Once the image signal is convertedto a suitable format, the wireless transceiver 62 transmits the data toan external control box over the operation frequency. Examples ofwireless frequency bands used for similar devices include the 900 MHzand 2.4 GHz bands. Once received by a wireless receiver or transceiverof the external control box, the image signal is fed to a signalprocessing circuit which converts it to a video signal such as NTSCcomposite or RGB. This video signal is then sent to a suitable connectorfor output to a display device such as a monitor or television. In someembodiments, the images from the detachable imaging device 30 and fromthe main imaging device 26 can be shown together on the same displaydevice.

The external control box may include a PCB mounted circuitry in ahousing which transmits, receives and processes wireless signals. Theexternal control box has one or more of a wireless transceiver, ACreceptacle, decoding circuitry, control panel, image and signalprocessing circuitry, antenna, power supply, and video output connector.

The external control box may also be used as an interface to the patientrecords database. A large number of medical facilities now make use ofelectronic medical records. During the procedure relevant video andimage data may need to be recorded in the patient electronic medicalrecords (EMR) file. The signal processing circuit can convert image andvideo data to a format suitable for filing in the patient EMR file suchas images in .jpeg, tif, or .bmp format among others. The processedsignal can be transmitted to the medical professional's computer or themedical facilities server via a cable or dedicated wireless link. Aswitch on the control panel can be used to enable this transmission.Alternatively the data can be stored with a unique identification forthe patient in electronic memory provided in the control box itself. Thesignal processing circuit can be utilized to convert the video and imagedata to be compatible with the electronic medical records system used bythe medical professional. The processing may include compression of thedata. A cable or a wireless link may be used to transmit the data to acomputer.

The image and signal processing circuitry of the external control boxincludes one or multiple integrated circuits and memory as needed alongwith associated discrete components. This circuit allows the videosignals to be processed for enhancing image quality, enabling stillimages to be extracted from the video and allow conversion of the videoformat to provide multiple output formats. These functions can beinterfaced for access via the control panel.

The external control box may be used to adjust the parameters of theimaging sensor 60. Preferably, the image sensor 60 allows differentparameters such as brightness, exposure time and mode settings to beadjusted. These parameters may be adjusted by writing digital commandsto specific registers controlling the parameters. These registers can beaddressed by their unique numbers and digital commands can be read fromand written to these registers to change the parameters. The control boxis used to control these parameters by transmitting data commands tothese registers through the wireless protocol. The signal processingcircuit on the detachable imaging device 30 receives and then decodesthese signals into commands and feeds them to the image sensor. Thisallows the various parameters to be adjusted.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the power source 56 of thedetachable imaging device 30 is a rechargeable power source. Therechargeable power source can be recharged in any suitable manner. Forexample, the rechargeable power source may be recharged via pinsprovided on the detachable imaging device. The pins preferably are madefrom a biocompatible material and retain its biocompatibility aftersterilization up to a required number of times.

Alternatively, the rechargeable power source may be charged viainductive charging. One advantage of inductive charging is that it doesnot required physical contact between the charger and the detachableimaging device. This allows the detachable imaging device to be fullysealed without any circuit components or metals such as the charge pinsbeing exposed to body liquids.

In operation, the power switch may be turned on first to activate thedetachable imaging device 30. At this point, the detachable imagingdevice 30 begins transmitting captured digital images wirelessly to theexternal control box. The control box then processes the image signalsand sends them to a display so that a medical professional can visualizethe images in real time. Once the detachable imaging device 30 is turnedon, it can be attached to the distal end region of the endoscope'sinsertion tube 12, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. At this point, the mainimaging device 26 provides a front view of an area, while the detachableimaging device 30 provides a rear or retrograde view of the same area.During the medical procedure, the endoscope is inserted into a patientwith the detachable imaging device 30 attached to the distal end regionof the insertion tube 12. The medical professional can simultaneouslyvisualize images from the main imaging device 26 and from the attachedimaging device 30. Lesions hidden from the main imaging device 26 behindfolds and flexures can now be viewed by the medical professional fromthe images provided by the detachable imaging device 30. When theprocedure is complete, the endoscope is removed from the patient, andthe detachable imaging device 30 can be detached from the distal endregion of the endoscope's insertion tube 12.

The control panel of the external control box can be used to adjust theparameters of the detached imaging device 30 to achieve an optimum imagequality. Still images can be obtained using the control panel. Duringthe procedure, relevant video and image data may be recorded in thepatient's electronic medical records (EMR) file.

The wireless imaging element 34 may additionally include a forwardviewing imaging unit 70 and a forward facing light source 72, as shownin FIG. 10. This forward viewing imaging unit 70 allows more effectivenavigation of the endoscope 10. Additionally, to allow an accessory toreach the area in front of the wireless imaging element 34, the wirelessimaging element 34 may be configured so as not to obstruct one or morechannels 22 of the insertion tube 12. For example, the wireless imagingelement 34 may be made small enough so that it does not obstruct one ormore channels 22 of the insertion tube 12. Alternatively, the wirelessimaging element 34 may include a channel 74 (FIG. 10) aligned with achannel 22 of the insertion tube 12. This channel 74 allows an accessoryto reach the area in front of the wireless imaging element 34.

The endoscope 10 may further include a support mechanism, whichincreases the rigidity of the detachable imaging device 30 duringinsertion of the endoscope 10 into the body. This support mechanismpreferably reduces or eliminates the bending of the link 36 of thedetachable imaging device 30 during insertion. An embodiment 80 of thesupport mechanism is shown in FIGS. 11 a, 11 b, 12 a, and 12 b. Theexemplary support mechanism 80 includes a rod 82 that is rigid at itsdistal end region 84 but is otherwise flexible. The exemplary supportmechanism 80 may further include a locking mechanism 86 that locks thedistal end of the rod 82 to the wireless imaging element 34. As shown inFIGS. 11 b and 12 b, the lock mechanism 86 includes mating grooves 88,90 that are disposed on the distal end of the rod 82 and the wirelessimaging element 34, respectively. The grooves 88, 90 can be interlockedby applying a torque to turn the rod 82 at the proximal end of theinsertion tube 12, and can be unlocked by applying a torque in theopposite direction. The proximal end (not shown) of the rod 82 can belocked to the channel entry port to secure the locking mechanism 86 inthe locked position.

Before the insertion of the endoscope 10 in the body, the rod 82 isintroduced from the proximal end of the insertion tube 12 into a channel22 of the insertion tube 12, and the locking mechanism 86 locks thedistal end of the rod 82 to the wireless imaging element 34. At thisposition, the rigid distal end region 84 of the rod 82 keeps thedetachable imaging device 30 rigid. After the insertion of the endoscope10 in the body, the locking mechanism 86 can be unlocked, and the rod 82can be retracted from the channel 22 of the insertion tube 12.

In some embodiments of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 13, anendoscope 100 may include a detachable imaging device 134 that useswires 102 to communicate with the external control box, includingtransmitting video signals to the external control box and receivingpower and control signals from the external control box. With thisarrangement, the operation of the detachable imaging device 134 is notlimited by battery life. As shown in FIG. 13, the wires 102 may beembedded in a sheath 104 which slides over the insertion tube 112 of theendoscope 100. This allows the channels 122 of the insertion tube 112 tobe used by accessories and the endoscope 100 to retain all of itsdesigned functions. Preferably, the sheath 104 is made from abiocompatible material such as latex, silicon and medical grade rubberswhich are flexible enough to not restrict the movement of the insertiontube 112 and firmly grip the outer surface of the insertion tube 112.Alternatively this sheath 104 may replace the outer covering of theinsertion tube 112 so that it would serve the dual function of coveringthe insertion tube 112 and the wires 102 without increasing the diameterof the insertion tube 112.

FIG. 14 illustrates additional embodiment 200 of the present inventionthat includes an insertion tube 212 and an attachment 232 mounted on thedistal end region of the insertion tube 212. This attachment 232 mayhave some or all of features of the attachment 32 shown in FIGS. 3 and5. Additionally, the attachment 232 is configured to accommodate one ormore imaging units 242 and light sources 244 of the endoscope 200. Inother words, the entire detachable imaging device 230 is mounted on thedistal end region of the insertion tube 212 and does not extend beyondthe distal end of the insertion tube 212. The imaging units 242 andlight sources 244 may be mounted at any suitable locations on theattachment 232 and may be oriented in any directions. In thisembodiment, the imaging units 242 and light sources 244 are placed on aproximal end of the attachment 232 and face backwards, although they maybe alternatively or additionally placed on a distal end and/or side ofthe attachment 232 and face forwards and/or sideways. The imaging units242 and light sources 244 may be evenly spaced around the attachment232. The images from the imaging units 242 may be incorporated orcombined to form a larger or more complete view of the body cavity suchas a 360° view of the body cavity. One advantage of the embodiment shownin FIG. 14 is the reduction or elimination of the mutual lightinterference between the main imaging device 26 and the imaging units242 on the attachment 232 because the imaging units 242 and lightsources 244 are placed behind the main imaging device and light sourceson the distal end of the insertion tube 212.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, an endoscope includesan insertion tube and a detachable imaging device detachably attached tothe distal end region of the insertion tube. In this embodiment, thedetachable imaging device communicates with the external control box viawires embedded in the insertion tube for power supply and/or datacommunication. The term “wires” is broadly defined to include any powerand communication lines, such as metal wires and fiber optic cables.Preferably, as shown in FIG. 15, the insertion tube 312 has one or moreconnectors 313 for connecting the detachable imaging device to the wiresin the insertion tube. In some embodiments, the one or more connectormay be placed in the distal end region of the insertion tube. The one ormore connectors may include one ore more power couplings 313 a forproviding power from the endoscope's base to the detachable imagingdevice and/or one or more video couplings 313 b for coupling videoimages from the detachable imaging device to the base.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been shownand described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art thatchanges and modifications can be made without departing from thisinvention in its broader aspects. Therefore, the appended claims are toencompass within their scope all such changes and modifications as fallwithin the true spirit and scope of this invention.

1-51. (canceled)
 52. A camera assembly for providing or improvingvisualization capability of a medical probe, the assembly comprising: amain body configured to be mounted on a tip section of a medical probe,wherein said main body comprises: at least one camera; and at least oneillumination source.
 53. The assembly according to claim 52, whereinsaid main body is essentially in a ring shape.
 54. The assemblyaccording to claim 52, wherein said main body is essentially made of anelastic material.
 55. The assembly according to claim 52, wherein saidmain body is a sleeve.
 56. The assembly according to claim 52, whereinsaid main body is a clamp configured to be clamped to said tip section.57. The assembly according to claim 52, wherein said main body isconfigured to be mounted on said tip section such that said at least onecamera and at least one illumination source are pointing rearwards,towards the proximal part of said tip section.
 58. The assemblyaccording to claim 52, wherein said main body is configured to bemounted on said tip section such that said at least one camera and atleast one illumination source are pointing forward.
 59. The assemblyaccording to claim 52, wherein said main body is configured to bemounted on said tip section such that said at least one camera and atleast one illumination source are pointing rearwards, towards theproximal part of said tip section and at least one camera and at leastone illumination source are pointing forward.
 60. The assembly accordingto claim 52, comprising two cameras.
 61. The assembly according to claim52, wherein said camera is configured to wirelessly transmit an imagesignal.
 62. The assembly according to claim 52, further comprising autility cable configured to receive video signal from said at least onecamera.
 63. The assembly according to claim 62, wherein said utilitycable is further configured to supply electrical power to said at leastone camera.
 64. The assembly according to claim 52, wherein said atleast one illumination source comprises at least one discreteilluminator.
 65. The assembly according to claim 64, wherein said atleast one discrete illuminator comprises a light-emitting diode (LED).66. The assembly according to claim 52, wherein said at least one cameracomprises an image sensor.
 67. The assembly according to claim 52,wherein said at least one camera comprises a lens assembly providing afield of view of 90 degrees or more.
 68. The assembly according to claim52, wherein said at least one camera comprises a lens assembly providinga field of view of 120 degrees or more.
 69. The assembly according toclaim 52, wherein said medical probe is an endoscope, havingvisualization capabilities.
 70. The assembly according to claim 52,wherein said endoscope is a colonoscope.
 71. The assembly according toclaim 52, wherein said endoscope is a flexible endoscope.